Beloved Saint Andrew

     I say the "Hail and blessed be the hour" novena every single year. It starts on November 30th and goes to December 25th you say the most precious prayer which depicts the journey of Mary, Jesus and Joseph to that Holy night in Bethlehem in the piercing cold. I have been saying it since I was 7 or 8 years old and it is endearing to my heart. Partly because my mother taught it to me. The other part is because I have seen many a miracle with the recitation of this novena. 

     All those years I really never knew much about the Apostles, except that they followed Jesus when Jesus was alive. It wasn't until recently, actually by watching the wonderful series "The chosen", did it snap in my mind that Andrew was the first of the chosen men whom Jesus asked to follow Him. As I looked at this figure (actor) portraying St Andrew, I was able to picture what Saint Andrew looked like. It was like meeting an old friend. 

     I love seeing Andrew. He was the hard-working fisherman brother of St Peter. He just had to have been humble and have a kind heart. He knew immediately that he had witnessed seeing the True Christ. He was on fire with God from the very moment. I love him. 

     Now, when I say this Christmas novena, I can see him listening patiently to my requests. I know they may not turn out the way I want them to, but then again.... they just might.